At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead multi-disease modelling work to inform cancer prevention strategies across Europe.
- Company: Join Imperial College London, a top global university making a real-world impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy 41 days off, competitive salary, and 10 development days for your career growth.
- Other info: Full-time role until October 2028, with potential for part-time arrangements.
- Why this job: Be part of a diverse team tackling global health challenges and shaping the future.
- Qualifications: PhD or equivalent in relevant fields; strong programming skills, especially in Python.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
The post is within the SHIELD Joint Action (Strategies for Health Interventions to Eliminate Infection-related Cancers). The overall aim of SHIELD is to reduce premature morbidity and mortality caused by infections that lead to cancer, including human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis B and C viruses (HBV, HCV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and tuberculosis (TB), through the development and implementation of coordinated, evidence-based prevention strategies across European countries. This post will contribute specifically to the multi-disease modelling framework, which aims to generate integrated, policy-relevant evidence to inform the optimal design and prioritisation of prevention programmes. The post is funded under the EU4Health programme, and the post-holder will work within a multidisciplinary and international consortium of academic institutions, public health agencies, and policy stakeholders. The modelling work will play a central role in supporting SHIELD’s objective to identify effective combinations of interventions, address barriers to implementation (including stigma and health system limitations), and translate analytical outputs into actionable recommendations for cancer prevention policy and practice.
What you would be doing
The post-holder will lead the development and delivery of the multi-disease modelling work within SHIELD, contributing as a key member of a large, multidisciplinary and international consortium, providing technical guidance and mentoring to junior researchers where appropriate. The primary objective is to design, implement, and operationalise a flexible, integrated modelling framework that allows disease-specific models (e.g. HPV, HBV, HCV) to be incorporated within a common structure. This framework will enable coordinated, cross-disease analyses to support more holistic evaluation of cancer prevention and treatment strategies across EU Member States. The post-holder will work closely with partner modelling groups, supporting integration of their models and generating high-quality, policy-relevant evidence.
What we are looking for
- At Research Associate Level: Hold a PhD in epidemiology, mathematical modelling, statistics, computer science, or a closely related discipline, or equivalent research, industrial or commercial experience. Candidates who have not yet been officially awarded their PhD will be appointed as Research Assistant.
- At Research Assistant Level: Hold a first / masters degree (or equivalent) in epidemiology, mathematical modelling, statistics, computer science, or a closely related discipline, or equivalent research, industrial or commercial experience.
- Experience in infectious disease modelling, health systems modelling, or related quantitative research.
- Strong programming experience, preferably in Python, with evidence of developing and maintaining analytical or simulation code.
- Experience working with complex datasets, including data cleaning, harmonisation, and analysis.
What we can offer you
The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to continue science for humanity. As a member of research staff you have 10 development days to use to develop your skills and explore your career prospects. Sector‑leading salary and remuneration package (including 41 days off a year and generous pension schemes). Be part of a diverse, inclusive and collaborative work culture with various staff networks and resources to support your personal and professional wellbeing.
Further information
This role is for a full-time and fixed‑term contract until 31st October 2028 (part‑time arrangements can be discussed at the interview). Please note that job descriptions are not exhaustive, and you may be asked to take on additional duties that align with the key responsibilities mentioned above.
About Imperial
Welcome to Imperial, a global top ten university where scientific imagination leads to world‑changing impact. Join us and be part of something bigger. From global health to climate change, AI to business leadership, here at Imperial we navigate some of the world’s toughest challenges. Whatever your role, your contribution will have a lasting impact. As a member of our vibrant community of 22,000 students and 8,000 staff, you’ll collaborate with passionate minds across nine London campuses and a global network. This is your chance to help shape the future. We hope you’ll join us at Imperial College London.
Our Culture
We work towards equality of opportunity, to eliminating discrimination, and to creating an inclusive working environment for all. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, communities and industries, and are committed to employing a team that has diverse skills, experiences and abilities. You can read more about our commitment on our webpages. Our values are at the root of everything we do and everyone in our community is expected to demonstrate respect, collaboration, excellence, integrity, and innovation.
Research Assistant or Associate employer: SONICOM
Imperial College London is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation. As a member of our multidisciplinary team, you will benefit from generous development opportunities, including 10 dedicated days for skill enhancement, alongside a competitive salary and extensive leave entitlements. Join us in making a meaningful impact on global health while advancing your career in a world-leading institution located in the heart of London.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Assistant or Associate
✨Get Involved in Research Communities
Dive headfirst into the scientific research world by joining relevant communities and forums. Engage in discussions, share your insights, and even attend conferences or seminars in your field. This not only boosts your visibility but can also lead to potential job opportunities—don't forget to connect with like-minded folks!
✨Show Off Your Research Projects
Have you worked on any cool research projects? Make it easy for potential employers to see your work by creating a portfolio or a personal website. This way, when you apply for roles like the one at SONICOM, you can point them to your projects and publications, showcasing your expertise directly.
✨Utilise Professional Networks
Networking is key in scientific research. Join professional bodies or organisations related to your field. They often have job boards and resources tailored for job seekers. Make connections with professionals who may know about openings or can give you tips on landing a full-time position.
✨Keep Your Eyes on Openings & Apply Directly
Don’t just rely on job boards! Keep an eye on the careers section of the websites of companies like SONICOM. Apply directly through their website because sometimes they post jobs there before anywhere else. Plus, it shows your proactive approach!
We think you need these skills to ace Research Assistant or Associate
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Research Experience:When applying for a full-time role in scientific research, make sure to emphasise your research experience prominently in your CV. Share specific projects you’ve worked on, the methodologies you used, and any significant findings. If you’ve published papers or presented at conferences, definitely include that too – it shows you’re on it in the academic world!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Research Area:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the specific area of research at SONICOM. Mention relevant experiences that align with the organisation’s goals or projects. This shows that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position – plus, it helps us see how you’d fit into the team dynamics.
Showcase Your Data Analysis Skills:In scientific research, data analysis skills are a big deal! Make sure to detail any relevant analytical tools or software you’re familiar with, like R, Python, or statistical packages. Employers are keen to know you can handle the data-heavy elements of the role, so add specific examples where you’ve used these skills effectively.
Discuss Your Future Research Goals:In your motivation section, it’s a great idea to talk about your future research goals and how they align with the work being done at SONICOM. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but rather a chance to contribute meaningfully to the field. We love to see applicants who are forward-thinking and enthusiastic about their research journey!
How to prepare for a job interview at SONICOM
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
In scientific research, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to design and conduct experiments. Come armed with examples of past projects where you've developed hypotheses, collected data, and analysed results. Be ready to discuss any specific methodologies or tools you’ve used, like PCR techniques or statistical software.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect some technical questions specific to your field. Make sure you're up to speed with recent advancements in scientific research related to the role at SONICOM. Brush up on concepts relevant to their projects and be prepared to discuss how you would approach a specific research problem or challenge they might face.
✨Know Your Publications
If you've authored or co-authored any papers, be prepared to discuss them! Highlighting your contributions to published research can really set you apart. It shows not only your expertise but also your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly, which is key in scientific research roles.
✨Exhibit Your Team Spirit
In full-time roles, collaboration is often at the heart of scientific research. Prepare examples that show how you've successfully worked in teams, dealt with conflicts, or contributed to group projects. We want to know how you can work effectively with the team at SONICOM to drive research projects forward.
